[History of intubation]

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Anesthesiology
• Respiratory Care

Context:

• Early descriptions of orotracheal intubation date back to Avicenna.
• Breathing tubes were utilized by obstetricians and lifesavers in the 18th century.
• Preoperative intubation was employed to prevent aspiration during surgery in the late 19th century.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical development of endotracheal intubation.
• To highlight key milestones in the adoption of peroral intubation techniques.
• To document the evolution of airway management in medical practice.

Summary:

• Avicenna's description of orotracheal intubation for dyspnoea is noted.
• The 18th century saw the use of breathing tubes by obstetricians and lifesavers.
• Franz Kuhn pioneered regular peroral intubation for airway management during narcosis in 1900.
• Macewen used preoperative intubation in 1880 to prevent blood aspiration.
• Endotracheal intubation became standard hospital practice by 1945.

Impact:

• Establishes the historical timeline of endotracheal intubation.
• Illustrates the gradual integration of airway management techniques into clinical practice.
• Provides context for the modern understanding and application of endotracheal intubation.